Overcome limiting beliefs
- Philip Brophy
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Obstacles to our success • 3 min read
A 2008 Journal of Experimental Social Psychology study asked participants to rate each other on the basis of intelligence tests. Scores presented to the participants were manipulated to either reflect the lowest or highest percentiles. They were subsequently told that they had been given inaccurate results. Regardless, the participants who were initially led to believe that an individual had above or below average intelligence, continued thinking that these people were very smart, or vice versa.
This goes to show the power of initial beliefs. Even when we’re told otherwise, it can be very hard to shake them off.
Introduction
We often meet obstacles in our path to progress in the form of our own limiting beliefs. These stem from our preconceived notions about our inability to perform in different areas.
This week, we’ll look at how we can overcome these barriers to engage productively and purposefully in our work.
What are limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs can originate in our childhoods and become part of our daily habits, when we think things like:
“I’m hopeless at numbers.” “I’m not good enough.” “I wouldn’t dare go for that because I’m not qualified.”
We assume that these stories will protect us from rejection as we’ve already mentally defined our strengths and weaknesses.
This means that if we fail at something, it’s ok, because we’ve already accepted that we’re no good at it.
However, deep down, we know we can thrive. And we can do this by unpicking our limiting beliefs. This will free us up to live more fulfilling lives, full of purpose and confidence.
Reprogramme our thoughts
Here are some tips for the next time you feel you are not capable of performing in an area.
1. Pause to reflect
This is all about consciously removing yourself from a stream of negative thoughts. Question and rationalise your current thinking pattern and the circumstance you find yourself in.
2. Discern fiction from reality
When self-defeatist thoughts appear, take note and try to identify which are the fabricated stories you’re telling yourself. Realise that you’ve likely invented them by giving exaggerated meanings to specific events, but that they don’t necessarily reflect the truth about your abilities.
3. Search for evidence
Try looking for evidence that they’re the opposite to your limiting beliefs. For example, when you next catch yourself thinking that your anxiety prevents you from networking, think of all the times you managed to successfully connect with different people. This will remind you that it’s well within your capabilities.
4. Reclaim your power
Try to realise that only you are in command of your thoughts and life. Recognise that a thought is just a thought, while a feeling is just a feeling. These don’t reflect the whole truth about you and these feelings will pass.
Key takeaways
We all experience limiting beliefs, when we create stories as to why we can’t reach specific goals. These are aimed at self-preservation.
Our self-written narratives hold us back from really going for things. They can cause considerable anxiety as we feel ourselves pulled back from our true potential.
We can push past our limited beliefs to progress each day by reminding ourselves that thoughts of failure are just thoughts, not realities.
Think big, act small
How about embracing a new narrative?
Reprogramme your thoughts by pausing and reflecting; take note of your untruths and realise they’re likely unsubstantiated. Then remind yourself that the thoughts of failure are just thoughts, not realities.
Content sources
Forbes, Whitener, S., 2020, ‘How To Use Empowering Beliefs To Overcome Limiting Beliefs And Find Freedom’
Forbes, Prossack, A., 2021, ‘How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs And Thrive As An Entrepreneur’
Forbes, Bumford, J., 2019, Limiting Beliefs: What Are They And How Can You Overcome Them?
Harvard Business Review, Neale, P., ‘”Serious” Leaders Need Self-Care Too’
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